First Stone Ministries

Sin is bo***ge.

A recent Bible reading plan is shoving me through about 14 chapters a day. It doesn’t feel sustainable, but the goal is to read the entire Bible in 90 days. I’ve just slammed through Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy!

Over and over, the people grumbled, complained, rebelled, and worshiped idols. It’s apparent that they didn’t know—in an experiential way—any other way of living but complaint and idolatry. Remember, these were people coming out of 430 years of enslavement (Exodus 12:40–41). Their hearts and minds were accustomed to bo***ge.

But before they ever went into Egypt, there was a promise. And before they ever left Egypt, there was a promise. God pledged not only to bring them out of slavery but also to bring them into a land of their own—a good and spacious land flowing with milk and honey.

That promise was first spoken to Abraham (Genesis 17:7–8) and then repeated through Moses (Exodus 6:6–8). God’s heart has always been for His people to live free—not just from Pharaoh, but from every form of bo***ge, especially the bo***ge of sin.

As I read quickly through these chapters, one thing stands out: God placed Himself right in their midst. His presence was visible among them, and His guidance came through His commands and instruction. He kept inviting them into something new—a relationship with Him, a new identity as His people.
They were prone to idolatry—the worship of other gods or anything that took His place. But He wanted them to worship Him alone—because He loved them
(Exodus 15:13; Deuteronomy 4:37; 7:7–8; 10:15).

As I read, I’m reminded that the same God who chose and loved them still chooses and loves us. He delivers us from the bo***ge of sin and calls us into a new identity—one marked by trust, worship, and relationship with Him alone.

The more I read, the more I see His love woven through every page. He was with them in the wilderness—and He’s with us now, patiently forming our hearts to love Him back.

With Covenant Eyes – We just made it onto their weekly engagement list by being one of their top engagers! 🎉